THE Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith is hoping to raise a further £600,000 in order to fully complete the building of a new centre by early next year.
Construction has just got underway on the centre’s existing site following the recent demolition of its previous premises in Hammersmith.
The freehold site was successfully purchased by the Centre’s board from Hammersmith and Fulham council after the ICCH successfully raised £1.5m.
Funding of £500,000 from the Irish Government helped secure the sale of land in late 2011.
The ICCH received a further £140,000 in funding from the Irish Government under the Emigrant Support Programme last year on top of £162,000 in 2012.
However, Jim O’Hara, chairman of ICCH, now says the board need a further £600,000 in order to complete the fit-out of the building with the current redevelopment only set to deliver "a working 'shell' building".
Mr O'Hara said: “Once the building is erected we will need to fit it out in a manner that is appropriate for a modern cultural centre.
"We need the support of both individuals and corporate bodies to help us financially to achieve this goal and create a suitable legacy for the current Irish community and future generations to enjoy.”
The centre is currently scheduled to reopen in spring 2015 with the new building located in close proximity to Hammersmith tube station.
The ICCH say when completed it will feature a “state-of-the-art 180 seater performance space including a mezzanine level, three multipurpose rooms and a café/bar”.
